FREMONT – Following months of conversations, DoorDash and the City of Fremont have agreed on a proposal to introduce Dot, the company’s autonomous delivery device, to the Fremont community. Through a measured set of steps that ensure public safety and community engagement, staff from the Fremont Economic Development and Public Works Departments will bring this exciting partnership to life. This partnership highlights Fremont’s leadership in advanced robotics and continued support for commercial vibrancy, especially in its growing Downtown. Manufactured in Fremont, Dot is an all-electric, compact robot designed to reliably bring orders straight to your door while safely navigating city streets.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the City of Fremont to bring Dot from the factory to Main Street,” said Ashu Rege, VP and Head of Autonomy at DoorDash Labs. “This is a crucial step to start the process of getting Dot onto the road in Fremont, and eager to continue conversations with our partners to ensure that this exciting step forward carries everyone – from business owners to customers – into the future.”
"Fremont is proud to partner with DoorDash on the launch of Dot, an all-electric autonomous delivery robot manufactured right here in our city,” said Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan. “This collaboration reflects Fremont's leadership in advanced manufacturing and robotics innovation while reinforcing our commitment to sustainability. By making it easier for residents to enjoy local dining options, we're supporting small businesses that form the heart of our community and strengthening the vibrant fabric of our commercial corridors. Dot's deployment is more than a technological milestone - it's a homegrown success story that combines innovation, economic vitality and convenience for Fremont residents."
Fremont Restaurant Week
DoorDash is partnering with the City of Fremont for the 4th Annual Fremont Restaurant Week, taking place from March 6-15, 2026. Dot will make its inaugural delivery on March 5 at the Restaurant Week kickoff event hosted by Fremont Bank. Dot makes it even easier for residents to dine locally, support small businesses, and contribute to the continued growth and success of Downtown Fremont.
Details on Dot’s Phased Rollout
DoorDash’s deployment in Fremont is subject to an encroachment permit, ensuring compliance with municipal code and public safety standards. Based on DoorDash’s experience with autonomous delivery in other cities, they have a standardized Operating Plan and Incidence Response Procedure, and will have speed limitations. The current encroachment permit would extend for approximately one year, through March 2027.
The initial service area includes the Downtown/City Center, Centerville, and Irvington areas of Fremont. Dot’s primary travel corridors are proposed to be Fremont Boulevard, Walnut Avenue, Mowry Avenue, Stevenson Boulevard, and Paseo Padre Parkway (see map).
Phase 1A: DoorDash would only operate up to 3 robots for community engagement, testing and demonstration purposes, during which robots are chaperoned by local operators.
Phase 1B: Based on the experiences and feedback from Phase 1A, an amended permit would be issued by Public Works to allow up to 30 robots to operate autonomously within the Service Area and with the capability to be operated remotely as needed.
Phase 1B Primary Routes: Walnut Ave, Fremont Blvd, Mowry Ave, Stevenson Blvd, Paseo Padre Pkwy
Phase 2: Continued ongoing operations and expansion of service would be subject to a separate review and approval process.
DoorDash Labs
Dot represents the next phase in DoorDash’s mission to grow and empower local economies. Combining purpose-built autonomous robots with its existing delivery network will create a more efficient, sustainable, and accessible delivery ecosystem. Watch Dot in action HERE.
